Organizing Models

Once you’ve selected a color from the Materials menu, simply click on a surface with the applicator (the Paint Bucket). This will apply the color to the surface.

Apply your colors to a 2D surface when you can. Once a 2D surface is Push/Pulled to add volume, the color will automatically be applied to the volume as a whole. Applying color now saves you time because you don’t have to reapply colors to newly generated surfaces created by the Push/Pull tool (Fig. 6-13).

Fig. 6-13: Any color on a face will automatically be applied to the volume when Push/Pulled.

Make the colored and completed Flatwork Base into a group. Using the Select tool, draw a selection box around all the faces and edges that compose the Flatwork Base. Right-click over the base and select Make Group (Fig. 6-14).

Fig. 6-14: Turn the Flatwork Base into a group.

The grouped Flatwork Base provides the first opportunity to apply layer organization. In the Layer menu (Window > Layers), create a new layer by selecting the Add Layer button (+) at top of the menu bar. A new layer called Layer 1 will be created.

Layers can be displayed in alphabetical/numerical order. Double-click on the new layer name. Rename the layer 01-Flatwork. Applying 01 to the Flatwork Base Layer ensures that the Flatwork Base will always be the top layer displayed, which makes it easier to locate as more layers are added.